Pagan Ball at Castello di Amorosa

Why you have to check this bloody amazing Halloween party off your bucket list.

Castello di Amorosa, or “The Castle” as locals call it, isn’t just another Napa Valley vineyard. It’s what happens when a very wealthy, winemaking, Italian, medieval-loving vino connoisseur lets his dreams (and finances) run wild. The “castle of love” is an authentic Tuscan castle crafted over 14 years to become a 13th century-style California icon. Owner of the nearby C. Sattui Winery in St. Helena and a fourth generation winemaker, Dario Sattui isn’t just a fantastic vintner — he also knows how to throw one hell of a party.

The Castle is home to lavish parties and celebrations year-round, but nothing compares to the annual Pagan Ball. Every year during the haunting season, revelers flock from around the world to party across the 121,000 square feet, get their thrills in the ten rooms, and discover haunts like no other on eight massive levels including four underground dungeons and lairs where Sattui himself lurks in full costume.

Yes, there’s a full-fledged torture chamber equipped with genuine artifacts, another of Sattui’s collections. You’ll find 900 feet of caves, and the great hall with two stories of custom Italian frescoes provides the perfect venue for ghoulish dancing. Take the drawbridge over the moat in search of your next great tapas or glass of red, white, or blush, or head down to the 12,000 feet of barrel room featuring cross-vaulted ceilings from the ancient Roman era.

Most importantly, when you scream, don’t spill.

Party-goers at the Pagan Ball (Castello di Amoroso).

The Only Party Worth Leaving San Francisco ForThere’s only one reason you’d leave San Francisco on one of the biggest party nights of the year: the eighth annual Pagan Ball. This year, the ghastliness goes down on October 28 so you can still enjoy city-style tricks and treats on the 31st. Snag RIP entry at 7 p.m., or general entry at 8 p.m.. However, do keep in mind that the Napa Valley area shuts down at exactly midnight, Cinderella-style. The Pagan Ball and any other local parties aren’t the type of affair where you show up fashionably late. Instead, arrive on time, in full demonic attire, and ready to imbibe and indulge. Costumes aren’t required, but if you don’t dress up, you’ll likely be the only one sans-costume.

For those who opt for the early RIP Reception, you’ll be “treated” to a special wine hour and an exclusive 30-minute tour of the haunted chambers. Get your fortune told, professional photos taken, and claim your haunts before the latecomers arrive.

With desserts worth dying for and decadent bites galore from skewers to sliders, pasta, and more, the only thing more sinfully delightful than the Castle’s wine is the extravagant fare. In between bites and nibbles (whether in the outdoor Courtyard, or elsewhere), take a self-guided chamber tour, slip into some bone-shaking rooms for dancing, and don’t forget to try all the desserts upstairs in Haybale Hell with Desserts by Coco Tutti.

Every plate, snack, and dessert is paired with one of the Castle’s premium wines. Most of the internationally acclaimed and award-winning wines are of course richly Italian. Producing more than 25,000 cases per year with grapes of the Cabernet Sauvignon, Primitivo, Sangiovese, and Merlot varieties means award-winning options that pair perfectly with global dishes. However, the famous Fantasia stands on its own. Don’t let the rose hue fool you — this is the kid’s party punch-mixed-with-Sprite concoction for grownups.

Your Chariot AwaitsComplimentary shuttles to many of Calistoga’s hotels are “on the castle,” and regularly makes rounds throughout the night. Is the Pagan Ball right up your dark, deserted alley? Buy tickets now! This party always sells out and tickets are $135 for members, $165 for non-members, or $25 more for RIP entry.

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